12 May,2026 11:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
One of the most notable shoots on Western Railway was a Reliance FMCG advertisement filmed inside the Vande Bharat train at Mumbai Central station. Pic/Special Arrangement
Indian Railways continues to attract filmmakers and advertisers, with Western Railway and Central Railway together generating more than Rs 6 crore in revenue from film and commercial shoots over the last three years.
An official statement said that the iconic railway stations, heritage buildings, scenic landscapes and operational train locations have become highly popular among Bollywood filmmakers, web series creators and advertising agencies.
Western Railway recorded a sharp rise in earnings from film shootings and advertisements, the statement said.
According to the data, the revenue from film shootings on Western Railway was-
- In 2023-24: Rs 63.47 lakh
- In 2024-25: Rs 1.37 crore
- In 2025-26: Rs 2.01 crore
The total revenue earned during the three-year period stood at Rs 4.02 crore, it said.
The officials said the increase reflects growing demand for authentic railway locations in films, advertisements and digital productions.
One of the most notable shoots on Western Railway was a Reliance FMCG advertisement filmed inside the Vande Bharat train at Mumbai Central station - reportedly the first such shoot on Indian Railways.
Other major productions shot at Western Railway locations include:
- Sikandar at Mumbai Central station and Mail Express train
- Tera Yaar Hoon Main at Bandra Terminus
- Fateh at Lower Parel Workshop
- O Romeo at Jogeshwari
- Colgate advertisement at Churchgate station and local trains
- Lizol advertisement at Bandra Terminus and local trains
Central Railway has also remained one of the country's most preferred filming locations, an another statement said.
Over the last three years, Central Railway earned around Rs 2.29 crore from nearly 30 film and web series shoots.
Central Railway Revenue
- FY 2023-24: Rs 94.45 lakh
- FY 2024-25: Rs 40.13 lakh
- FY 2025-26: Rs 94.62 lakh
The heritage Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) station remains one of the most popular shooting destinations in India.
Several major productions have been filmed there, including:
- Slumdog Millionaire ("Jai Ho" song)
- Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
- Chennai Express
- The Lunch Box
- Darr
- Stoneman
Television commercials for IPL and Sunfeast were also filmed at the station.
Recalling previous shoots, officials stated that Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan also shot scenes at the heritage building for Central Railway's in-house production Ek Safar Rail Ke Saath.
Among suburban railway locations, Apta Railway Station on the Panvel-Roha route has emerged as one of Bollywood's favourite shooting destinations after CSMT.
Located amid the Sahyadri hills, the station is known for its old-world charm, greenery and rustic atmosphere.
The station has featured in several hit films including
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
- Rang De Basanti
- Khakee
- Bunty Aur Babli
- PK
- Baaghi
- Shaadi No. 1
Over three years, shoots at Apta station alone generated Rs 85.55 lakh, accounting for more than 37 per cent of Central Railway's total filming revenue.
Other popular Central Railway locations include Panvel, Chouk, Neral, Matheran, Lonavala, Khandala, Wathar, Satara and Chandrapur in Maharashtra.
Officials said these places are especially attractive due to their scenic beauty, heritage appeal and rural railway settings.
Films such as Jab We Met, Robot, Raavan, Dabangg, Sacred Games and Laapataa Ladies have also been shot at various Central Railway stations and railway premises.
Central Railway officials said a dedicated Public Relations cell handles film shooting applications through a streamlined single-window permission system.
Permissions are granted after ensuring safety compliance, payment of charges and operational feasibility.
